GREG Errico was a 14-year-old Bay Area student when he started drumming for local dance band the VIPs, before graduating to Freddie And The Stone Souls, led by Sly’s younger brother. When Sly joined what became Sly & The Family Stone’s first rehearsal in December 1966 – Errico found himself a willing participant in Stone’s sonic quest. “‘Dance To The Music’ was a conscious effort to write something people could relate to,” says Errico. “Once they were listening, he could talk about what want he wanted. That’s when he became very prolific.”
Errico’s drumming brought rhythmic pulse to Stone’s creative vision, including two American No 1 singles, “Everyday People” in 1969 and “Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin)” the following year. But in 1971, Errico walked out of The Family Stone, dismayed by Sly’s deteriorating behaviour. He tells Uncut about the band’s pinnacle and tragic decline.
“In ’69 we were at the peak of our game in all that we created, we were really on a roll. There was Woodstock and the next year we played with The Who and Jimi Hendrix was the pinnacle of Sly’s songwriting, uplifting commentary and music. That’s where it all really came together.
